What are dangerous goods?
Dangerous goods (DG), also called hazardous materials, are substances and articles that can cause harm during transport: they can catch fire, explode, leak or react. International rules classify them into nine classes based on the UN Model Regulations, and each transport mode has its own code: ADR for road in Europe, IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations for air and IMDG for sea.
Many everyday e-commerce products count as dangerous goods: lithium batteries and devices containing them, aerosols such as dry shampoo or deodorant, perfumes and nail polish, and some cleaning products.
Core principle: Dangerous goods can be shipped, but only when they are classified correctly and packed, labelled and documented to the rules of each transport mode.
Common dangerous goods in e-commerce
| Product | Typical UN number | Class |
|---|---|---|
| Lithium-ion batteries on their own, such as power banks | UN3480 | 9 |
| Lithium-ion batteries in or packed with equipment | UN3481 | 9 |
| E-bikes and e-scooters | UN3171 | 9 |
| Aerosols, such as dry shampoo or deodorant | UN1950 | 2 |
| Perfumes and fragrances | UN1266 | 3 |
UN38.3: testing for lithium batteries
UN38.3 is a series of tests in the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria that every lithium cell and battery type must pass before it can be transported. The tests simulate altitude, temperature changes, vibration, shock, short circuit, impact and overcharge. Manufacturers and distributors must be able to provide a UN38.3 test summary for the batteries they ship, and carriers and fulfilment centres ask for it.
Limited quantities and exemptions
Limited quantities (LQ)
Small inner packagings, for example aerosols of up to 1 litre, can travel by road under simplified rules if they are packed and marked correctly.
Why it matters: This is how most parcel carriers accept cosmetics aerosols for ground delivery.
Small lithium batteries
Smaller lithium-ion cells and batteries, broadly up to 100 Wh per battery, benefit from special provisions with lighter packing and marking rules.
Watch out for: E-bike batteries and large power stations usually exceed the limit and are fully regulated.
Air freight
Air rules are stricter. Many lithium batteries on their own and many aerosols are restricted or forbidden on passenger aircraft, and parcel networks often exclude them from air services.
Watch out for: Many parcel networks won’t fly these goods, so check before promising express delivery across Europe.
Dangerous goods in a fulfilment centre
- Disclose dangerous goods upfront and provide safety data sheets (SDS) and UN38.3 summaries before the first delivery.
- Storage limits: fire safety rules and insurers limit how many lithium batteries, aerosols and flammable liquids a warehouse can hold, and where.
- Carrier choice: not every carrier or service accepts every class. Mixing batteries and liquids in one air parcel is often not possible.
- Trained staff: people who pack and label dangerous goods need dangerous goods training.
Example: A Finnish haircare brand stores 10,000 aerosol dry shampoo cans. Its fulfilment centre checks the safety data sheet, stores the cans in an approved area, packs them as limited quantities with the LQ mark and ships them by road parcel services only, not by air.
Frequently asked questions
Are lithium batteries dangerous goods?
Yes. Lithium batteries are Class 9 dangerous goods. Small batteries benefit from simplified rules, but they still need a UN38.3 test summary.
What is a UN38.3 test summary?
A document from the manufacturer showing that a lithium cell or battery type has passed the UN38.3 transport tests. Carriers and warehouses ask for it.
Can perfume be shipped in parcels?
Usually yes by road, as a limited quantity with the correct marking. Air shipping is far more restricted.
Who is responsible for classifying dangerous goods?
The shipper, usually the brand or its supplier. Fulfilment centres and carriers rely on the safety data sheet and classification you provide.
